Both Keyano College Huskies basketball teams are up four points in the standings after back-to-back wins in their home openers Friday and Saturday at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre.

Women’s team

The women’s Huskies defeated the Lethbridge Kodiaks Friday night with a 67-56 victory, to earn their first win of the season.

Newcomer Chawncy McClenan led the Huskies offence with 21 points in her first ever ACAC game. Veterans Vanessa Wideman and Samantha Connolly also played well against Kodiaks, contributing nine points each. Saturday saw the Huskies take on the St. Mary’s University College Lightning, a brand new team in the ACAC.

The Huskies jumped out to a 22-10 lead after the first quarter — reportedly the best quarter for the women’s basketball team in school history — and ended up winning 66-42.

McClenan again led the offence, this time with 27 points. Wideman added 11 and Connolly had 10 points in the win.

“It wasn’t perfect but when you get two wins against South teams, it’s a good effort by our girls,” said Huskies head coach Dwayne Vigilance.

“Those were what called ‘gettable’ games. I think we have to play well to get those two wins, but our young kids came out and played hard and they really wanted it, so credit to them.”

The Huskies’ play was focused on defence with a quick transition game, which Vigilance said we can expect to see all season.

“We’re young and they like to get out and play a little bit, they’re not crazy about running sets,” said Vigilance.

“The more we can get out and play defence and get out and run, by all means it’s to our credit.”

Men’s team

The men’s Huskies team had to fight through two close games to get their wins, but they were able to get the four points after an 84-81 overtime victory against Lethbridge Friday and a 70-67 win against the Lightning Saturday night.

“I didn’t think we played well defensively,” said Huskies head coach Mike Connolly after Saturday’s win. “I think St. Mary’s did a good job tonight and I think Lethbridge did a good job last night. We didn’t play with an urgency on defence; we let them play comfortable and let them make shots.”

Lance Wesolowski and Yonas Berhe led the Huskies offence Friday with 16 points each. Connor Dolson had 14 points, Louis Barham had 13 points and John Craig contributed 12 points in the win.

Barham led the offence in Saturday’s win, with a huge 30 point night, while Craig was second with 11 points. Dolson added nine points with a trio of three-pointers.

The Huskies were tied 39-39 with the Lightning at half and took a 13 point lead after the third quarter, but were put to the test after a strong push from St. Mary’s.

“I like the close games, because it sets the character for the team,” said Wesolowski.

“It makes us grind them out. And it is nice to win your first two home games.”

The Huskies are on the road this weekend for one game against the Red Deer College Kings/Queens on Saturday.